Tragically, a few years after the passing of Frank Fritz, his estate has been the subject of a legal battle. An update has recently been shared in the case. One of the American Pickers‘ star’s loved ones has also recently spoke out about the case.
Frank Fritz Was Part Of American Pickers From 2010 To 2020 Prior To His 2024 Passing
Fritz was an antique collector and television personality best known for his work on History Channel’s American Pickers. As a co-host alongside Mike Wolfe, he helped travel across the United States to unearth vintage items in the hopes of finding lost treasures from 2010 to 2020.
Wolfe left the show in 2020 amid surgery and health issues. Tragically, he passed away in 2024 at the age of 60 due to a stroke combined with aortic stenosis.
According to Page Six, Fritz’s father, Bill Fritz, and three of his friends are heading to trial over the American Pickers star’s $6 million estate two years following his tragic death. The outlet shared that a jury trial is set for November in the Iowa court case. The parties involved failed to reach an agreement in mediation.
Speaking with the outlet, a source shared, “Mediation happened and there was no resolution. Bill Fritz wants everything.”
Frank’s Father Previously Contested The Will In February 2025
Annette Oberlander Willows, who was by Frank’s side at the time of his death and is currently involved in the estate battle, also shared, “I have always done right by Frank. I was loyal to him throughout our entire friendship. Frank did not wish for his dad to have anything of his!”
Willows added, “I did not expect to get anything for just being his closest friend. I feel that it is Frank’s things before it is mine. By going to trial, I am confident Frank’s wishes will be honored!” At this time, Bill and his father haven’t recently commented publicly on the case.
Previously, an Iowa judge had approved Frank’s request for his estate weeks after his death. His father, Bill, contested the will back in early 2025.
At the time, The U.S. Sun reported that Bill alleged, “Fritz’s decision-making capacity was so impaired that he was unable to make, communicate or carry out important decisions concerning his own financial affairs.” He reportedly told the outlet, “Looking for the trial to fight the fake will that was written. I feel sure that I will win this case. The will was totally fake. The people that are doing it were just people that helped him.”
Bill continued, “I had a good relationship with him. And they’re just trying to get in on something that they shouldn’t.”
‘American Pickers’ alum Frank Fritz’s loved ones head to trial for bitter $6M estate battle 2 years after his death https://t.co/pcp4pSiOvk https://t.co/B4v1eS1dQx
— New York Post (@nypost) October 20, 2026
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John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.